Google Google Cardboard is Google’s dirt-cheap, increasingly popular virtual reality “headset.” Street View is Google Maps’ virtual tour of zillions of different locations. Light bulb! A new feature (actually, an Easter Egg, according to Google) in the Google Maps app turns Street View into Google Cardboard View, effectively letting you roam the streets of wherever …

There are apps (like ICE, shown here) that can quickly add emergency info to your lock screen. MinuteApps LLC The reason we password-protect our phones is simple: If it gets stolen, the thief can’t access all our data. But there’s a flipside: If your phone is lost, or you’ve been injured and someone is trying to call your family, there’s …

The Striiv Fusion comes with all three wristbands shown here. Striiv Different strokes for different folks, and different gadgets for different wrists. Last week’s Martian Notifier, for example, was great for people who wanted a stylish timepiece that could also deliver notifications. Today, let’s look at a device focused more on fitness and sleep, with a bit of smartwatch thrown …

Crumbles clips can’t be embedded, but click one of the examples below. Crumbles This may be the coolest thing in the history of the universe. I’m referring, of course, to Crumbles, a Web app built on a huge database of movie and TV show clips. It works like this: You type in a phrase — like, say, “This may be …

Don’t worry, it’s supposed to do that. E Fun A hybrid is a laptop with a removable screen. Or maybe it’s a tablet with a keyboard dock. However you describe it, it’s intended as a best-of-both-worlds solution: tablet one minute, laptop the next, then back to tablet, and so on. Of course, such advanced hardware costs a small fortune, right? …

OnePlus For months now I’ve been referring to the OnePlus One as “the best smartphone you can’t buy.” Now, you can buy one: as part of special holiday “offer,” the company is selling the One without the need for invitation. Golly, thanks, OnePlus! If it sounds like I’m poking a little fun, it’s because I am. The One debuted back …

Martian If you’re looking for a wrist-pal that’s a timepiece first, a notification tool second and a fitness band not-so-much, well, you’ve come to the right deal. For a very limited time, you can get the Martian Notifier smartwatch for $74.99 shipped. That’s after applying coupon code cnet1214 at checkout. It lists for $129.99, and even on sale at Best …

I recently started a new business, and that means I have a lot of new contacts in my phone. Ideally, I’d like to group them together, if only to make them easier to find and view. Just one problem: There’s no way to create contact groups on an iDevice. Oh, Apple. This capability has existed since PalmPilot days. How has …

Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET If you’ve decided to live your computing life within the confines of Windows 8’s Start screen (rather than on the more traditional Desktop), you may have noticed something missing: a battery gauge. You could chalk this up to oversight on Microsoft’s part, except that Windows 8.1 didn’t add the feature, either. If you want to check …

CNET Buying an unlocked smartphone often feels like a Catch-22: You’re not tied to any one carrier (nor a two-year contract), but because the phone itself is unsubsidized, it can cost anywhere from $300 to $700 — maybe even more. Today only, however, and while supplies last, Amazon has the 2nd-generation Motorola Moto G (8GB) for $149.99, shipped. Regular price: …